"Hey, use [Clone] to distract him, and I'll strike from the shadows with [101 Shadows]. As long as his attacks don't hit us directly, we can buy time until reinforcements arrive," Van explained calmly.
"Alright," Nana said agreeably.
Nana then activated her [Clone] skill, and hundreds of identical clones appeared all at once.
Because of the overwhelming number of Nana clones, Van's presence vanished from view.
Seeing the identical clones, the big muscular figure looked at them with scorn.
"Trying to overwhelm me with numbers? Just so you know, your efforts are pointless. A thousand ants cannot bring down an elephant," the big muscular figure said.
The Nana clones ignored the insult and charged forward.
The big muscular figure punched the ground, further shattering the already-ruined surface.
Massive cracks formed as if a magnitude 10 earthquake had just struck the area.
In an instant, dozens of Nana's clones fell into the crevices and disappeared.
One of the clones jumped and aimed a kick directly at the big muscular figure's face.
However, he caught the clone's leg and threw her toward the approaching clones.
The throw created a supersonic shockwave as the clone smashed into the group faster than the speed of sound, wiping out several clones.
Despite the devastating attacks, the clones didn't falter. Instead, they became even more eager to strike the big muscular figure.
Though he managed to destroy many clones, their numbers didn't seem to decrease. In fact, they kept increasing over time.
"Filthy rats!" the big muscular figure shouted, visibly furious at being toyed with.
He then struck one of the nearest clones with a punch.
The punch created a supersonic explosion, obliterating the nearby clones before they could even be thrown back.
The big muscular figure continued relentlessly punching any clone that got close. Each blow produced shockwaves that shattered the surroundings into rubble.
In moments, the battlefield was in ruins, as if a massive natural disaster had hit it, with craters and holes everywhere.
The big muscular figure stomped the ground, causing a huge chunk of earth to rise before him. He then punched the chunk forward.
The massive chunk flew at blinding speed. Before the clones could react, it smashed into them.
*BOOM
The chunk crushed several clones on impact, and the debris injured many others in the vicinity.
The impact also stirred up a cloud of dust, obscuring visibility.
As the dust gradually cleared, the clones realized that the big muscular figure had vanished.
"Where is he?"
"Be careful!"
*WHOOSH
The big muscular figure suddenly appeared among the clones and punched one of them nearby.
The blow caused a supersonic explosion that wiped out several clones instantly, while others were thrown backward.
Despite the clear gap in power, Nana's clones showed no fear and continued charging at the big muscular figure.
He, too, showed no hesitation in attacking them. Each strike was brutal, aimed at vital points, and clearly intended to kill.
While he was focused on destroying the clones, he suddenly spun around and crossed his arms to defend himself.
*SLASH
A slash cut deep into both of his arms.
Through the gap between his crossed arms, the big muscular figure saw Van, clad in a full Greek-style warrior set: sword, spear, shield, armor, helmet, and boots.
'Honestly, I didn't want to use the items from this skill unless necessary. They consume too much [Mana],' Van thought as he glanced over the set from [World Treasure].
[Ares Set]: [A sword, spear, shield, boots, armor, and helmet that provide extraordinary offensive and defensive power.]
"Filthy rat," the big muscular figure said coldly, his tone dripping with murderous intent.
He then kicked forward with a leg as thick as a tree trunk.
Sensing deadly danger, Van's entire body shivered, and without thinking, he raised his shield to protect himself.
*CLACK
The kick was so powerful that even though Van used the legendary shield from the [Ares Set], he was still launched backward through the air for several meters, his arms trembling and going numb.
The supersonic shockwave also blasted the nearby clones away.
The big muscular figure didn't stay idle after seeing Van land safely. He leapt toward Van, who was still midair.
Seeing him coming, Van hurriedly tried to regain his balance and lift his shield.
But his arms were still trembling and numb, making it impossible to raise it in time.
In an instant, the big muscular figure appeared in front of him and landed a punch squarely on Van's chest armor. Yet, his eyes narrowed when his fist struck Van.
'Good thing I had this armor. Without it, that punch might have seriously injured or even killed me. Still hurts like hell though, bastard,' Van cursed inwardly.
Van crashed to the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and glanced down at his now-dented armor.
'What the hell? This is legendary armor—strong enough to withstand a dragon's claw! And that bastard dented it with a regular punch?!' Van thought in shock.
If he weren't the author of this novel, he might've suspected that bastard ancestor slipped him a fake item in [World Treasure].
Van then used his spear to help himself stand, while the Nana clones continued attacking the big muscular figure, giving Van time to recover.
- - - - -
Meanwhile, Arthur and Silvie were still battling the swordsman. Even with two against one, the swordsman held the clear advantage.
Arthur and Silvie were exhausted, their breathing ragged. Still, their trembling hands clutched their swords tightly. Strangely, despite facing such a skilled swordsman, they only had minor wounds.
"Can you still fight, you crazy woman?" Arthur asked, grinning widely.
"Don't underestimate me, you mad dog," Silvie shot back with a faint smirk.
The two of them then charged toward the swordsman again.